TASB Awards Student Voice Scholarships to Five Public School Students 

Austin— The Texas Association of School Boards is pleased to announce the five high school seniors selected to receive scholarships and be included in the TASB Student Voice Panel March 6 at Governance Camp in Galveston. Each student will receive $1,500 from sponsor Walsh Gallegos Kyle Robinson & De Los Santos P.C. 

TASB’s annual Governance Camp provides school board members with leadership and good governance training while amplifying student voice. Through panel discussions, sessions presented and co-presented by students, and an expo where students share their projects and innovations, the conference helps connect the work of trustees with the learning experience of students.  

During the panel discussion, the five scholarship recipients share their experiences as Texas public school students with the school board members and administrators attending from across the state.  

“This is a great opportunity for school board members to hear directly from the students they serve, so they can better lead and govern their districts,” said TASB Executive Director Dan Troxell. “Through these presentations and discussions, education leaders gain valuable insights on the goals, challenges, and aspirations that students have, and that information can help inform planning and decision making in the boardroom. We’re thankful to Walsh Gallegos for its ongoing commitment to the scholarship program.” 

This year, Jim Walsh will serve as the moderator for the Student Voice Scholarship Panel. Walsh, an attorney/shareholder at Walsh Gallegos, says the event is an exciting collaborative experience for both the students and board members who participate in Governance Camp. 

“At Walsh Gallegos we love being a part of the Student Voice presentation at Governance Camp,” Walsh said. “It’s a delight to see and hear from these bright and well-motivated future leaders. We look forward to this event every year and are honored to partner with TASB on it.”  

This year’s scholarship winners were selected based on their individual stories, contributions to their community, and their use of “student voice” to improve their schools. They are:   

• Mario Castillo, Lyford CISD, Region 1 
  Castillo is a senior at Lyford High School and ranks first in his class. Upon graduation, he will earn both a high school diploma and an associate’s degree. Through his involvement in FFA, 4‑H, the National Honor Society, varsity tennis, and cross-country, Castillo has developed strong time-management skills and a deep sense of responsibility to his teammates. He also advocated at the Texas Capitol during the 89th Legislative Session. A recipient of multiple awards and recognitions throughout high school, Castillo plans to study neuroscience in college. 
• Keelin Monk, Clear Creek ISD, Region 4 
  Monk is a senior at Clear Lake High School who understands the most important things in life are her relationships. A global traveler, she’s the founder of the World Languages Club, and she is also the leader of the Best Buddies Club, which promotes inclusion for students with special needs. She holds a U.S. patent for a haptic wearable system for users with hearing loss. Monk plans to pursue neuroscience and entrepreneurship in college to ultimately start her own neurotechnology company. 
• Mallory Solomon, Hutto ISD, Region 13 
  Solomon is a proud Hutto High School Hippo. While participating in the GeoFORCE youth program at the University of Texas at Austin’s Jackson School of Geosciences, she developed a love of geoscience. As the editor-in-chief of the yearbook and student government president, she makes sure stories from all students are represented in her work. Solomon plans to combine her passion for journalism and meteorology into a career as a broadcast meteorologist. She plans to attend a Texas university in the fall to study meteorology. 
• Addison Wall, Thrall ISD, Region 13 
  Wall is a senior at Thrall High School, where her life and leadership have been shaped by agriculture. Raised in an agriculture‑based family, she has been deeply involved in 4‑H and FFA, developing strong communication, leadership, and advocacy skills. Wall excels academically, ranking in the top 10% of her class. She will be a first‑generation college student and plans to attend Texas A&M University to study animal science and genetics. Wall hopes to combine her passion for agriculture and science to advance genetic research and animal health.  
• Eliana West, Victoria ISD, Region 3 
  West is a passionate student leader with a love for learning, community, and creativity. As the oldest of four, she brings responsibility and warmth to everything she does, from local theater to mental health advocacy. Having lived in multiple states and cities, West is adaptable and eager to embrace new experiences. Her work with the Victoria Mayor’s Youth Council and Texas Bluebonnet Girls State, a program organized by the American Legion Auxiliary, strengthened her leadership skills and interest in government. She plans to study psychology and expand access to mental health resources for young people.